St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church 

Wedding Day

Wedding

R Studios

Reception

Once upon a time on the east end of Brooklyn, two crazy kids crossed paths at a Catholic parish in the spring of 2009. One day a lay leader invited two ministries to lead praise and worship during his community's prayer group. Oddly, the lay minister ran into calendar issues numerous times, and kept inviting the two ministries at the same time. As time passed, the two kept crossing paths and were even on a group prayer request together - which they did not realize. That spring their friendship began to blossom. As Natasha's birthday came upon them, Sammy gave her a subtle yet creative card in the shape of a tee shirt. If anyone knows Sammy you could understand the significance of this gesture. Soon both youth groups began to serve with each other, and Natasha and Sammy realized they had a lot in common and were slowly developing a strong friendship. They continued to serve in their ministries together and became inseparable. A year later, in her childhood parish alongside her faith family, Natasha knew crossing paths with each other was providential and not a coincidence. The two began dating in the winter of 2010 and the rest has become their story. - Natasha and SammyPS... Now it's your turn to be a part of this journey. Follow the adventures and contribute to the festivities using #NatashaSammyWed

So their story goes...

Vigil Feast of Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion

Walk by Faith, not by SightMany of you know how important faith is in the lives of Natasha and Sammy even before the two crossed paths. It wasn't a coincidence how the two met nor was it intended that each milestone in their relationship be marked by some kind of faith based tradition or celebration but it has, and continues to be a blessing! The BIG day is a VERY special day Saturday, April 2, 2016 also marks the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday during the Jubilee of Mercy. It is a vigil celebration because it is the evening prior to the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday in which the Church around the world celebrates the fulfillment of Christ's death, resurrection and ascension into heaven for the sake of mankind.On Divine Mercy Sunday (or the vigil in this case) we recall the message Our Lord revealed to Saint Faustina, which is known today in Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.It is the hope of Natasha and Sammy that you take a moment to learn a little bit about the message and devotion of Divine Mercy which ironically has had a major role in their lives this past year. Everyone is in need of peace and reconciliation. If you cannot commit to some of these examples recall the hour in which Christ gave His last breath for us at 3:00 p.m. and in the silence of your heart remember these words: "Jesus, for the sake of Your Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." The Divine Mercy Message and DevotionThe message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us – all of us. And, he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy. The Divine Mercy message is one we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC: A - Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world. B - Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.C - Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

The Image of the Divine Mercy

In 1931, our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus as pictured above and He had a special message for her: Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory (Diary, 47, 48). I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You (327). I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47). After asking Him the meaning of the rays as requested by her spiritual director, she heard this reply:The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299). By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742). These words indicate that the Image represents the graces of Divine Mercy poured out upon the world, especially through Baptism and the Eucharist.

Hour of Great Mercy

In His revelations to St. Faustina, Our Lord asked for a special prayer and meditation on His Passion each afternoon at the three o'clock hour, the hour that recalls His death on the cross. At three o'clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion (Diary, 1320).As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world — mercy triumphed over justice. (1572)My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. (1572)From these detailed instructions, it's clear that Our Lord wants us to turn our attention to His Passion at the three o'clock hour to whatever degree our duties allow, and He wants us to ask for His mercy. We may not all be able to make the Stations or adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament, but we can all mentally pause for a "brief instant," think of His total abandonment at the hour of agony, and say a short prayer such as "Jesus, Mercy," or "Jesus, for the sake of Your Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

THE CHAPLET

How to Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Optional Opening Prayers: You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.(Repeat 3 times) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostle's CreedFor each of the five decades (On each "Our Father" bead of the rosary, pray)Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.(On each of the 10 "Hail Mary" beads, pray) For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.Concluding prayer (Repeat 3 times) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.Optional Closing Prayer Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

Our Story

Our Wedding

Details

Photos

Sam is Natasha's not so baby sister.  She makes up what the two have coined Bisbal².  Four years apart and they still get mistaken as twins.  Sam will join Kasia as an incredible maid of honor!  Natasha's two best friends!

Samantha Bisbal

Lalo is Sammy's cousin and friend. The two grew up together in their native city and found their footing in New York together. Lalo and Sammy have great memories of life in Acapulco and Sammy is blessed to have him at his side as a groomsman and continue those memories in New York!

Lalo Cadena

William is a Catholic musician and composer who uses his gifts as a service without limits. He is a loyal friend and humble from head to toe. The two formed a great friendship in 2009 after life in the Big Apple put them on the same beat. Sammy is excited William has accepted his invitation to be his groomsman!

William Castro

Alejandra is Natasha's second cousin.  She is the daughter of Junior and Jane Borges and the next generation of the Bisbal-Borges-Oliveras clan.  If anyone knows of the latter they will recall how inseparable these cousins were.   Ale, has a legendary history behind her and will be an amazing bridesmaid!

Alejandra Maria Borges

Kasia is Natasha's best friend.  Yes.  That's right - Kasia and Natasha.  God couldn't have a better sense of humor!  The two met in the third grade and have been inseparable ever since. Sometimes life pulls them into different directions but one thing always remains - their lifelong friendship. Kasia will be a fabulous maid of honor!  

Kasia Hearn

Daniel is an educator with a creative eye in design and a sense of humor hard to come by. He and Sammy met after Daniel needed some screen printing work done for his ministry. Ever since then, the two have had an interesting and comical friendship. Sammy appreciates Daniel's honesty, support and vision and is excited he's joining him as a groomsman!

Daniel Estrada

Jasmine is Natasha's cousin from her mother's side.  The two grew up with each other and spent many weekends together during their childhood and adolescent years.   Jasmine will be a stunning bridesmaid alongside her cousin!

Jasmine Oliveras

Alex and Sammy have been inseparable best friends since 2007. The two walked side by side until God in His infinite wisdom and with His great sense of humor called Alex to join the priesthood. Alex, a seminarian is a faithful friend, brave, wise and humble man and Sammy is honored to have him stand at his side on his wedding day!

Bro. Alex Mañon

Samuel is Sammy's best man and best friend. That's right - the two Sammy's! Sammy best describes Samuel as a young man with noble sentiments, hard headed but always attentive when someone is in need. The two have known each other for over 5 years, through highs and lows, tears and joy. Sammy is proud to call Samuel his brother and even prouder he accepted to join him alongside Alex as his best man!

Samuel Tejada

Luz Maria and Natasha met when the two were beginning their relationships with their significant other five years ago.  They became great friends right away as did their guys and the rest, well it became history.  Luz will be an exquisite bridesmaid next to her best friend!

Luz Maria Santana Tejada

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Nuestra Historia

Problemas de  la agenda de un llamado superior...

Había una vez en la parte oeste de la cuidad de Brooklyn dos jóvenes que se encontraron en una parroquia durante la primavera de 2009. Un laico le invitaron a dirigir el canto y alabanza durante un grupo de oración de su comunidad. Por una razón u otra, siempre tenia problemas con su calendario y siguió invitando los dos ministerios a la misma vez. Natasha, una intercesor de oración quien cantaba junto a su grupo juvenil y Sammy, un guitarrista quien ocasionalmente lo llamaron para compartir la Palabra se introduzco a Natasha una, dos, tres veces - tal vez incluso más. Cada vez Natasha era amable, nunca recordando que lo conoció durante las semanas previas. Después que cada grupo empezó a servir juntos, Natasha y Sammy reconocieron que tenia muchas cosas en común y convirtieron en muy buenos amigos. Continuaron a servir en sus ministerios juntos, se volvieron inesperados y un ano después en la parroquia de su niñez junto a su familia de fe Natasha sabia que las problemas con el calendario era algo providencial y nada de coincidencias. Los dos comenzaron a salir juntos en el invierno de 2010 y los demás se convirtió en sus historias.- Natasha y Sammy

El Matrimonio

Sabado el 2 de abril de 20163:00 PMVestido: Brooklyn Chic con un toque de estilo de Queens

Ceremonia

Iglesia Catolica Romana de San Mateo1123 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn NY 11213, EEUU

Recepcion

R Studios100-17 Atlantic Avenue, Ozone Park NY 11416, EEUU

El servicio seria una ceremonia de matrimonio bilingüe con una Misa y celebración Eucarística. Seria bilingüe porque Natasha y Sammy son al igual d muchos de sus seres queridos. La Liturgia de la Palabra seria proclamada en Inglés y en Español y lo podrán encontrar en el programa en la idioma alternativa.Entendemos que algunos de nuestros invitados no comparten en nuestras tradiciones de fe y estamos alegres que pueden compartir con nosotros en este día tan especial. Solo pedimos que se mantengan un espíritu de reverencia adentro del templo. No tienen que participar en las oraciones o practicas religiosas si no se sienten cómodos pero, siempre están invitados si se sienten llamados a hacerlo.

Vigilia de la Divina Misericordia

EL MENSAJE Y LA DEVOCION DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA

EL IMAGEN DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA

La hora de la gran misericordia

LA CORONILLA

Nuestra Boda

Please know there is limited parking available at St. Matthew however there is a parking garage adjacent to the parish on Lincoln Place between Schenectady and Utica Avenues.Public Transportation: B17 or B14 to Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue3 or 4 to the Crown Heights - Utica Avenue Station

Travel

Following the wedding ceremony guests will have some time before the reception to unwind while the newly married couple takes photos with their wedding party. If time permits, guest are encouraged to explore the culture and arts at the Brooklyn Museum. There is no official entrance fee therefore visitors are welcome to give any donation to their discretion.Be sure to visit their website for exhibitions and current events.

Brooklyn Museum 

A short distance from St. Matthew and adjacent to the Brooklyn Museum our guests will find flowers in bloom at the gardens and conservatories in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Enjoy a tranquil stroll through the garden and learn some fun and interesting facts for the gardener in you or just take a moment to enjoy the view. A $12 fee is required though seniors and students receive a discounted $6 entrance. Children under 12 enter free.Be sure to visit their website for plants in bloom and upcoming events.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

Nestled on Grand Army Plaza stands the Brooklyn Central Library, neighbor to the Brooklyn Botantic Garden and Brooklyn Museum. Feel free to visit this majestic landmarked institution, stop by their different collections or visit their gallery until its time to join Natasha and Sammy at R Studios for an evening of fun in good company.

Brooklyn Central Library 

Things to Do

Viajes y Transporte

1123 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States<a href="http://stmatthewrc.org/">http://stmatthewrc.org/</a> (718) 774-6747 NOTAS Y DESCRIPCIONFavor de saber que hay estacionamiento limitado en la Iglesia de San Mateo.Hemos hecho arreglos para un bono de aparcamiento Bisbal - Venegas en nombre aquí . Para tomar ventaja de esto, por favor háganoslo saber FECHA AQUÍ .arreglado We have arranged for a Bisbal-Venegas parking voucher at NAME HERE. To take advantage of this please let us know by DATE HERE. Transportacion Publica: B17 o B14 hacia Eastern Parkway y Utica Avenue3 o 4 hacia Crown Heights - Utica Avenue Station

100-17 Atlantic Avenue, Ozone Park, NY 11416, United States <a href="http://www.rstudioevents.com/">http://www.rstudioevents.com/</a> 718-441-5764

Natasha & Sammy

Natasha & Sammy

Things to Do

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Central Library